Barenaked Ladies ready to hit the Alaska State Fair stage

Imagine the greatest show you’ve ever seen, where everybody gets a free ice cream sundae on the way in, joked Tyler Stewart, drummer for the iconic Canadian band Barenaked Ladies. “That’s how I would describe a Barenaked Ladies show. Actually, I would describe it as high energy.”

“Classic familiar songs you’ll know because they’ve been out over the radio for 30 years. And a group of guys who are really joyful and happy to be doing what they are doing,” said Stewart, adding the band is really at the top of their game, musically. “We are better than we’ve ever been.”

Barenaked Ladies live is a must-see. A band that encourages audience participation and offers fans an unforgettable evening of hits and soon-to-be hits. The band is a featured performer at this summer’s Alaska State Fair Sept. 4.

“The thing that keeps us going and keeps us doing what we love to do is the fact we do make new music. We’re not just a jukebox playing all of our greatest hits. We still do play our greatest hits because we like the songs and we want the audience to get their money’s worth. But at the same time, creating new material and playing that and showcasing that, as well, it is really at the top of our agenda,” Stewart explained.

Stewart noted plans are also in the works for the band to try and get back into the studio to make another record, as well. “Which will be our 17th studio album. Some time in the early winter, like January or February. Hopefully, that will come out next year and we’ll just keep the train rolling.” The band’s most recent release was the critically-acclaimed album, “Detour de Force.”

Plans will also include more touring, “as much as possible,” heading into the fall and beyond.

Over the course of 33 years, the beloved quartet has sold 15 million records worldwide and built up an arsenal of hits, including “If I Had $1,000,000,” “One Week,” “Pinch Me” and “The Big Bang Theory Theme.”

Widely acknowledged as “one of the best live acts on the planet” — BNL has hosted a cruise, had their own Ben & Jerry’s ice cream flavour and participated in the first-ever “space-to-earth musical collaboration” with Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield. To-date, BNL has amassed eight Juno Awards and was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame in 2018.

This past summer, Barenaked Ladies headlined the “Last Summer on Earth” tour, mostly in the U.S. “We almost got through except for one in Toronto,” Stewart said.

“We made it through 36 of 38 shows and then we had a COVID diagnosis in the band. So, we had to postpone the last two. Unfortunately, one of them was the Toronto, ON Canada show, so we didn’t get a chance to play our hometown. But, the rest of the tour was a roaring success with the Gin Blossoms and Toad the Wet Sprocket. We absolutely had a great time. A lot of sold out shows and a lot of peace and harmony amongst the groups and some collaboration,” Stewart added.

According to the drummer, those 18 months of not being able to do what the band has done for the last 30 years was very difficult — due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “But, we’re back and I think people are really glad to be out at shows and being together again and listening to music.”

“We’re social creatures — us human beings. We need those times together. I really saw that in the crowd this summer. There was a lot of gratitude for us continuing to do what we do and put a smile on people’s faces,” Stewart added.

There’s nothing like taking away something to appreciate how good you have it, Stewart admits. “Rock and roll doesn’t get any easier, especially as we continue to age. A bunch of dads in their fifties out there playing rock music. It’s not necessarily the easiest thing you can do.”

“Sleeping on a tour bus every night and a lot of travel and all that stuff. But, at the same time, I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I think that layoff definitely reinforced that amongst everyone in the band. We all felt a certain thankfulness for being able to still do this after 30-plus years,” Stewart said.

For more information and to purchase tickets online visit alaskastatefair.org.

Stan Ashbee been an entertainment journalist for over 15 years, a managing editor, editor, reporter and photographer for over 13 years.